William Thomas Prouty

October 2, 1925 - February 14, 2020

William was born on October 2, 1925, in Rolla, Missouri to the late David Prouty and Evelyn Hodges Prouty Woods. He departed this world on Valentine’s Day having his sweetheart of 72 years and other family members by his side on February 14, 2020 at the St. James Veteran’s Home. William was raised in Rolla and graduated from Rolla High School in 1943. He was an aviation ordnanceman while serving in the United States Navy from June 25, 1943 through May 16, 1946 and earned the World War II Victory Medal. After serving in the Navy, he attended Missouri School of Mines (Missouri University of Science and Technology). He married the love of his life, Grace E. Perry, on September 17, 1947. He was employed 32 years as a surveyor and cartographic draftsman for the United States Geological Survey Department of Interior in Rolla. William was a previous Deacon and Elder for almost 50 years at Ridgeview Christian Church and was a present member of the Rolla Church of Christ. He served many years on the board of directors for St. Louis Christian College. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was known for his amazing ability to produce huge Jettsetter tomatoes. He enjoyed playing golf and supporting the St. Louis Cardinals, Rolla Bulldogs, St. James Tigers, Golden State Warriors, Missouri State Men and Lady Basketball Bears. William was preceded in death by his parents David and Evelyn, stepfather Oral Woods, brother Robert Prouty, sister Shirley Gilmore, daughter Caren Joyce Spradling, and several sister and brother-in-laws, as well as, several nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife, Grace; son, Gary and wife Donna, Springfield, MO; son-in-law, Ronald Spradling, Rolla, MO; granddaughter, Christy Gregorich and husband John, Chandler, Arizona; granddaughter, Jeana Bahr and husband Joe, St. James, MO; grandson, Stephen Prouty and wife Caitlyn, Springfield, MO; and grandson, Patrick Prouty and girlfriend Julie Nguyen, Springfield, MO; great grandchildren, Brittany Pitzer and husband Tyson, Chelsea Gregorich, Justin Gregorich, Zachary Bahr and Lucas Bahr; Sister-in-law Zella Lee Prouty, Eldon, MO; sister-in-law, Carol Lavery, Largo, FL; sister-in-law Ann Gabriele and husband Gene, Rolla, MO; brother-in-law Daniel Perry and wife Beverly, Hot Springs, AR; sister-in-law Sherry Perry, Trumann, AR and many other relatives and friends. Funeral arrangements visitation and service will be held at the Rolla James and Gahr Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Friday, February 21, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 22, 2020. The family would like to thank the wonderful, nurturing, and supportive staff at the St. James Veteran’s Home. They would also like to thank William’s lifelong friend, Walter “Parky” Parkinson, who was his best friend growing up, joined the Navy together, worked together at the USGS, hunted and fished together, competed and challenged each other as they grew their award winning tomatoes, and currently living at the St. James Veteran’s Home where he comforted the family at the time of William’s passing! Contributions in honor of William can be sent to the St. James Missouri Veteran’s Home or Rolla Church of Christ.